Tci Flexplate Safety Shield 940100 on 2040-parts.com

Driven: Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Just over 25 years ago, in November 1982, Mercedes Chief Designer Bruno Sacco introduced his new 'baby' 190, codenamed W201. Billed as the new compact Mercedes, it was a successful model that lasted a full ten years until being replaced by the first C-Class (W202). This model – the first with the triangular tail lamps – lasted until 2000 when it was replaced by the W203, a more softly-styled update of the W202 model, with the 'peanut-shaped' linked double headlamps.

2013 Nissan LEAF updated

Nissan has updated the LEAF EV in Japan for 2013 with better range, less weight and a new LEAF S entry-level model. Revealed in Japan – but likely to come to the UK from 2013 when the LEAF starts rolling out of Nissan’s Sunderland factory – there are significant upgrades to the powertrain which result in both less weight and better range. Nissan has had a play with the electric powertrain and made it both smaller and lighter with a new motor that uses 40 per cent less dysprosium (a rare earth metal) than before, and comes in 30 per cent smaller and 10 per cent lighter, and a new streamline battery case and a few other tweaks drops the LEAF’s weight by 80kg.

VW 1L and electric Audi R8 (2009) leak early

By Tim Pollard First Official Pictures 14 September 2009 13:44 As usual, the embargos are tumbling ahead of the 2009 Frankfurt motor show – with photos of the new VW 1L concept car and electric Audi R8 spreading like wildfire. Both were supposed to be surprises held for a soirée on the eve of the show. Volkswagen’s 1L concept car is Wolfsburg’s latest incarnation of its cigar-shaped two-seater.